Football season is back again...which also means it's tailgate season! Who doesn't love a kick-ass tailgate? Here is a list of essentials that will ensure your tailgate leaves people talking...and coming back the next time.
Must Haves:
Corn Hole: who doesn't love a game where you can toss tiny bags of corn into small holes cut into wooden boards?
Music: you gotta mix up the tunes....throw in some newbies, 90's, rap, country, and old school. And make sure you've got the loudest party around.
Grill: Wear your favorite grill & bring extras for your friends...mine is the USA themed grill like the one Ryan Lochte wears.
....Just kidding, bring a grill for grilling food, of course!
Chairs: Make sure you have plenty of portable chairs for those tailgaters who are sort-of a liability and who may or may not have to pass out in one.
Table: To put all the great food on top of ...and speaking of food ...
Good Food & Drinks: One of the most important parts of a good tailgate is the food & drinks. If you want to be classy you can bring some champagne and orange juice for mimosas. If you want to keep it simple, bring lots and lots of beer. Also, make sure you have solo cups just in case. If it's cold out, a great drink to make is Hot Spiked Cider -- Just mix rum & Cider & cinnamon in your crock pot and leave it on the grill to keep it warm :)
Jello Shots and/or drunk gummy bears: How to make Vodka spiked gummies can be found here.
Here are some top food ideas:
Hot dogs & Hamburgers: Duh. How can you have a tailgate without these essentials? Make sure you remember the hot dog and hamburger buns, any toppings you wants, and the condiments! -- Mustard, ketchup, and stadium mustard are all musts, in my opinion.
Mini Corn Dogs: These easy, bite-size corn dogs are perfect for a tailgate. Recipe here.
Pizza + Pretzels = Pizza Pretzel bites?! These are so good. Try them! The recipe can be found here.
BLT Roll Ups:
Ingredients 4 oz. Cream Cheese, softened. 1/4 cup mayo. 8 slices Bacon, cooked & crumbled. 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes. 2 tortillas (8 inch). 1/2 cup shredded romaine lettuce.
Directions Mix cream cheese and mayo in medium bowl. Add bacon and tomatoes; mix well. Spread onto tortillas; top with lettuce. Roll up tightly. Cut each into 7 diagonal slices. Makes 14 Servings
Jalapeno Popper Dip: Who doesn't love jalapeno poppers and dip, so put them together and you get perfection...recipe can be found here.
Guacamole: My favorite variation of this is combining garlic, chopped avocados, chopped red onion, chopped tomatoes, and chopped cilantro & salt/pepper to taste...combine together & chill. So good.
Mushroom Puffs: My friend's mom used to make these at our Bengals tailgates. They are to die for! I don't have her recipe, but this one looks pretty similar: recipe
Peanut Butter or Sugar cookies in the shape of footballs & decorated according to your favorite team: recipe
Veggies & Dip: You can make your own dip, but I say keep it simple and buy one. I like the Marzetti Light Dill dip from the grocery store. Cut up some broccoli, celery, cauliflower, carrots, red/green pepper and you are good to go. :)
Assorted Chips, tortilla chips, crackers, : No recipe needed ;)
Other things to remember: Plates, Solo Cups, Utensils, Garage bags, Paper Towels, Water, Ice, Coolers, Grilling appliances, Charcoal or Propane, Sun screen, Warm weather gear (if needed)
Most importantly, Cheer on your favorite team after the tailgate party is over!!
Happy football season :)
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